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KESTREL TALON ROAD SHIMANO 105 BICYCLE

Looking for the best? Looking for an all-round road bike? Are you looking for one of the best entry level road bikes? Well, if this is so, then this might just be what you are looking for.

Before we delve into the specs of the kestrel talon road bike, it is worth mentioning that the best road bike can only be settled upon after taking a look at the quality of the individual components of the bike.

In this review, we are going to have a look at the Kestrel Talon Road Shimano 105 Bicycle. We’ll get to see what makes this a road bike worth going for, the pros and cons of the bike as well as the consumer feedback on the same.

The Design

Upon shopping for a road bike, the quality surely does matter; ranging from the frame of the bike to the spokes and the pedals, each component needs to be designed with utmost precision.

If you are looking for a road bike that is well suited for training as a triathlete and do it on a road bike or simply race against triathletes without having to spend on two separate bikes, then this is definitely the choice for you.

Outstanding Carbon Frame

It is not every day that you are bound to get a road bike with a carbon frame. The kestrel talon road bike is not only made out of a carbon frame but the carbon fiber is integrated i.e. the 800k and the 700k carbon fibers.

The 700k carbon fiber is stiff and the 800k even stiffer meaning that the bike uses less materials by 20% and at the same give the frame a stiff feel.Being made out of carbon which is quite rare to find on a road bike frame, the bike proves to be both stiff and lightweight.

This allows you to be able to hit the road and at the same time have less weight to worry about. Other than offering a comfortable ride, the carbon frame is also durable since unlike the alloy or metal frames such as aluminum and steel, it cannot be subjected to rust or corrosion.

Speaking of comfort, it can be agreed upon that carbon does offer the best as compared to all the other frames used in the making of a road bike.

Not only does the bike boast the looks, but it does have what it takes to give you the most comfortable feel. The fork on this bike is the Enhanced Modulus Hybrid (EMH) carbon fork 1 ⅛ – 1 ¼ Alloy Steerer.

This fork in turn makes the bike just the ideal option if you don’t want to suffer from the impending shock and vibrations but at the same time want to have the best control of your bike.

Other than being able to take in most of the vibrations, the fork gives the bike quite a strong feel for durability and comfort.As for the saddle, it is mounted on an aerodynamic saddle post.

This adds on to the streamlined nature of the bike which allows you to hit the road more swiftly.Another thing that is worth mentioning about the bike is that the frame is designed in such a way that it offers you a slightly hunched posture similar to the triathlon bikes.

Simply put the bike is able to offer you both the road bike and the triathlon configurations.

The seat post is made in such a way that It allows you to adjust the saddle over a number of positions that’ll give you that streamlined position for optimal speed as well as the upright more comfortable position that you desire in a road bike.

The Drive Train

Moving on from the frame and to the drive train, let’s first make it clear that this is one of the most components of a road bike if you want to get the best results out of your cycling.

The drive train normally includes the brakes, the shifters and the derailleurs. If one of these is inferior, then the whole drive train is just as good as none at all.

Shifters

When it comes to switching between the speeds that come with the bike, there is no other between way to do this other than employing the use of the Shimano 105 STI shifters.

The bike comes with 11 speeds; these allow you to cycle in almost any terrain and more so, you have the added advantage of being able to do this smoothly due to the Shimano shifters that it comes with.

Brakes

Not only do good brakes guarantee you between safety but they also make it between for you to navigate in different terrain.

When it comes to the braking system of this bike, they do come lightweight due to the aluminum arms. Other than being lightweight, these brakes have got adjustable cartridge pads hence you can change their grip on the rim to your own preference

Derailleurs

When it comes to the derailleurs, there is no better way to do this other than the Shimano 105 front and rear derailleurs. Derailleurs work hand in hand with the shifters meaning if you have a faulty of either of these, you’ll have a hard time on the road.

Having this in mind, the kestrel talon road bike has got the Shimano 105 derailleurs both in the front and in the rear. Either of these are able to respond effectively when executed making it easier for you to shift between speeds.

What About The Frame Size?

Another thing that is worth mentioning about the bike is the size of the frame.Owing to the fact that it has got the perfect design for both rad cycling and a triathlon bike, it would be somehow unfair if it were only suited for a selected few.

To make it suited for both sexes and all sizes, the bikes come in 5 different sizes; Extra Small, Small, Large, Extra Large and the largest Extra Extra Large.

Extra small

For the extra small size, you’ll have the frame measuring 48 centimeters from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the saddle post.

The seat tube on the other hand is 50.5cm and is adjustable meaning that you can alter this to your own fit. The top tube on the other hand is 51 centimeters.

You should be quite keen on this since you cannot be able to adjust its length.As for the angle of the seat tube on the small size, the 75.5 degrees will allow you to have a more comfortable position as compared to the larger sizes.

Read Our Expert Guide:-

Small

The seat tube for this frame from the center of the bottom bracket to the center of the saddle post is 52 centimeters. The seat tube on the other hand is 54.5 centimeters which will offer you the perfect posture as it is easily adjustable.

As for the top tube, it comes in 53.5cm, just like in all the bike sizes, it is advised that you have the exact measurements for your most comfortable fit for the best experience.

The seat tube angle is 74.5 degrees hence giving you a better siting posture for both road cycling and triathlon cycling.

Large

The large seat tube measures 55 centimeters center to center. For the seat tube, you can get to adjust it over 57.5 centimeters which is quite effective for the sake of your preferred style of cycling.

The seat tube angle on the other hand is 73.5 degrees. With this angle, you’ll not find the bike smaller in size which would be the case if the angle were wider.

Extra Large

Slightly larger than the large size, the extra-large kestrel talon road bike measures 57 centimeters center to center. With such a size on this bike, you won’t have to go through all the trouble of searching for a high quality road bike that fits you perfectly if large is your size.

Similar to the seat tube, the top tube is also 57 cm and in addition to this, the seat tube angle is 73.5 degrees. With these two, you’ll get to enjoy both comfortable and swift cycling.

Extra Extra Large

This is the largest of all. With a seat tube 60 centimeters in height center to center and a seat tube 62.5 centimeters, you’ll be able to enjoy your preferred degree of comfort.

Other than having the perfect measurement for the seat tube, the seat tube angle is positioned at 62.5 degrees that also adds on to the comfort.

The top tube, which should be given utmost attention measures 59.5 degrees. This allows you to be able to use the bike for triathlon and road bike cycling effectively.One more thing that is worth mentioning about the bike is that it comes in an average of 20 pounds

Wheels And Tires

Not forgetting the wheels and tires on this bike, the wheel set is Oval Concepts 327 Alloy Clincher, 27mm rim, 20H Front, 24H Rear.The wheelset is made out of aluminum and in addition to this they are designed to be compatible with the 11 speed bikes.

The Vittoria Zaffiro Pro 700 x 23c Folding tires on the other hand work hand in hand with the aluminum rimed wheels for optimal strength.After taking a look at the individual components of the bike, we can now move on to the pros and cons as well as the first hand concerns the consumers have on the product.

Read Our Expert Guide:-

Pros

The frame is made out of the EMH carbon. For a road bike, this is probably the best one you could get out there. The 800k and 700k carbon frame allows you to enjoy lightweight as well as durability.

When it comes to shock absorption, this carbon fiber bike just has what it takes. The Enhanced Modulus Hybrid (EMH) carbon fork 1 ⅛ – 1 ¼ Alloy Steerer will take in most of the vibrations from the bumps and potholes giving you the smoothest ride.

When it comes to dual configuration of a road bike and a triathlon bike, this bike has got all it takes. Having a highly adjustable seat post, you can be able to cycle in a hunched posture of a more upright posture for typical road bike cycling.

Considering its design, it would be unfair if only a few would be able to enjoy it. Having sizes from extra small to extra-large, you’ be able to get your perfect pick

Cons

The only problem you might face is shifting. You may need to do some adjustments so as to be able to do this easily.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the average size of replacement tires?

A: You’ll need a 700c road bike tire that is either 23 or 25 mm. most preferably, go for the Vittoria

Q: What components are included in the bike upon purchase?

A: Upon getting this carbon fiber bike, you’ll have the seat, seat post and handles but you’ll need to get your own pedals

Q: Does the bike come preassembled?

A: Yes, what you’ll be left with is the installation of the pedals, handlebars and a seat. So as not to void your warranty, you should do the assembling in a bike shop.

Final Verdict

After having had a look at the Kestrel Talon Road Shimano 105 Bicycle review, we can see that this is the ideal bike if you want to have the speed of a triathlon and the comfort of a road bike on the same machine.

Considering it comes in 5 different sizes, it is always advised that you take your measurements against the provided measurement chart when purchasing it online.

When you get the bike from a bike shop, have the assembly done there for you to keep your warranty intact.Summing up, we do appreciate the manufacturers for all the components of the bike ranging from the adjustable seat, the frame, the carbon fiber road bike fork and the wheelset. With all these working together, you’ll get nothing short of the best performance.